Qatar is a multi-cultural society. Many nationalities work here and call Qatar their home. As a result, we come across people from different races and nationalities on an, almost, everyday basis. We live around them, go to school with them, work with them, and interact with them in all kinds of public settings.
As much as we may try to be fair and equal towards each other, there are times when we also discriminate against others or receive discrimination unintentionally. Let's find out more about discrimination and it's many forms, and learn to say NO to discrimination in any form, whether given or received.
Discrimination has many shapes and forms. These range from hurtful comments about someone’s race to objectionable actions to stereotyping people and the way they behave, prejudice and even hatred that's directed at someone depending on where they’re from, their colour, their ethnicity and what they do.
And, it's not just about abuse and harassment, or intimidating behaviour, it's also about actions and attitudes. The important thing to remember is that NO form of discrimination is right, even if meant as a joke. Sometimes, people say something unintentionally, not realising they are even being discriminating.
Qatar has many different job sectors just like any other countries and each role is important as we all need each other to complete our job. However, does everyone really respect all equally?
Examples:
“The customer is always right” - Well, some people carry that statement too far and use it as an excuse to act superior unreasonably in any scenario in this relationship making a scene in public.
Examples:
Qatar is a progressive nation and even though, men make up approximately 75% of the population and women approximately 25 %, women are encouraged to participate in all fields. In fact, you will find many women in important positions within the different industries and organisations. Unfortunately, there are still some common discriminatory phrases you may hear!
Examples:
Qatar is a multicultural country with a diverse range of different nationalities. People from approximately 94 countries live in this lovely country. And, though, living together in a multicultural society, most people are tolerant and accepting of other races and nationalities, you can still find some different forms of racial discrimination, intentionally and unintentionally.
Examples:
Qatar is a Muslim country, however, this country does not discriminate on the basis of religion. People are free to practice their religion and there are different religious facilities. However, there are certain individuals who are biased and do discriminate against others on the basis of their own religion.
Examples:
Qatar believes in giving everyone the same opportunities and the same is true of people who have special needs. Qatar is striving to make the country accessible for those with special needs and has laws in place to ensure they are not discriminated against in the workplace. Yet, you may still find some examples of discrimination against those with special needs.
Examples:
These are just a few examples of discriminatory or racist remarks in Qatar that many of us have heard and even made in the past, some intentionally, some unintentionally. How many are we guilty of? Have we ever thought we’re practicing discrimination against another individual or group of individuals? Have we ever been discriminated against? These are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves.
Article 34 of the Permanent Constitution of Qatar states:
"Citizens shall be equal in terms of public rights and duties,"
while Article 35 talks about racial equality and non-discrimination:
“All persons are equal before the Law and there shall be no discrimination whatsoever on grounds of gender, race, language or religion. In addition, the Permanent Constitution contains several legal guarantees concerning principles of equality, including ensuring equal opportunities, rights and duties for all citizens."
Qatari Law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. The law requires that 2% of all jobs in government agencies and public institutions be set aside for disabled persons. Private businesses employing a minimum of 25 staff are also required to hire persons with disabilities.
Qatar has made important legislative commitments to equality and non-discrimination in its criminal and civil codes and is also State Party to seven UN human rights treaties, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Did you spot anything in this article that you say unconsciously which may have been a discrimination to others? We need to always remember our small misbehaviour, hurtful action or a offensive word can be a bullet to another and our little ones learn from it. Since discrimination is not something we're born with; rather it's something we learn, it's important that we educate our children and lead by example.
We all need each other, in this society, in this world - so embrace each other’s culture, play together, work together and live together. At the end of the day, we are all human
Was this article helpful to you? Have you ever practiced discrimination? Have you been discriminated against. Please let us know your views in our comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!
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